Daigo Kobayashi

PROFILE:
A technically-gifted attacking midfielder, Daigo Kobayashi signed with Whitecaps FC on January 28 2013. The Fuji, Japan native joined Whitecaps FC after spending the past two seasons with J-League Division I side Shimizu S-Pulse. Kobayashi did not have his option picked up following the 2013 MLS season and is currently on trial with Whitecaps FC during the club's 2014 preseason.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

2013: Kobayashi started 21 of his 30 appearances while scoring two goals and distributing four assists on the year. The Japanese midfielder scored his first goal for the club against Columbus Crew on March 9 before also finding the back of the net in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship final versus Montreal Impact on May 29. Kobayashi scored his second MLS goal for the ‘Caps when he opened the scoring against FC Dallas on September 7; he was named Budweiser Man of the Match for his performance.

J-LEAGUE DIVISION I2012: In his second season with Shimizu S-Pulse, Kobayashi made 25 appearances, with the J-League side finishing ninth in regular season standings. 2011: In his return to the J-League Division I with Shimizu S-Pulse, he appeared in 13 matches, with the Shimizu S-Pulse finishing 10th in league standings. 2008: In his final season with Omiya Ardija, the midfielder scored four goals in 39 appearances, with Omiya Ardija finishing 12th in J-League standings. 2007: In his second season with Omiya Ardija, he appeared in eight matches, scoring one goal. 2006: In his successful debut season with J-League Division I side Omiya Ardija, Kobayashi scored four goals in eight appearances. 2005: In 2005, Kobayashi played his final season with Tokyo Verdy and appeared in 38 matches, scoring five goals, and helping his team claim the Japanese Super Cup. 2004: Kobayashi scored four goals in 38 appearances with Tokyo Verdy while helping the team win the 2004 Emperor’s Cup. 2003: In his third season with Tokyo Verdy, Kobayashi appeared in 26 matches. 2002: In his second season in the J-League, Kobayashi appeared in 28 matches and scored one goal. 2001: In his professional debut, Kobayashi appeared in five matches for Tokyo Verdy.

GREEK SUPER LEAGUE2009-2010: Prior to his stint with Shimizu, the 5-foot-10, 150-pound midfielder spent 18 months with Greek Football League side Iraklis FC, appearing in 14 matches.

NORWEIGAN TIPPELIGAEN2009: In his only season with Stabæk Fotball, Kobayashi scored eight goals in 29 matches to help the Norweigan side finish third in league standings and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

INTERNATIONAL
Internationally, Kobayashi has made one appearance for the Japanese men’s national team, playing an international friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in 2006. On the youth side, the talented attacker was selected to the Japanese U-18 national team in 2001 and in 2003 led the team to the FIFA World Youth Championship (now the FIFA U-20 World Cup).